AFTER lifting the League One trophy in front of a packed Joe Royle Stand at Boundary Park on Sunday, Oldham RL captain Jordan Turner admitted he never believed it possible to deliver success to his hometown club, writes Kasey Smith.

The former Waterhead amateur – who grew up as a Roughyeds season ticket holder – began his professional career at Salford, before winning a Grand Final with St Helens and also competed in Australia’s NRL. However, despite his impressive career, he never had the opportunity to play for his boyhood club.

At the back end of last year, the centre was ready to hang up his boots until a resurgent Roughyeds came calling with a plan to propel the club back to the glory days.

“This sort of success was unthinkable 18 months ago,” said captain Turner. “The fire in me to carry on was burning really low and I wanted to give up.

“There have been times when I could have said I’m not playing anymore because of my age and my injuries but I have this deep, emotional connection with the club and something has just brought me through.

“I have given my all for the club this year, and I will continue to do it until I break down.”

He featured in 21 out of Oldham’s 25 fixtures and scored 16 tries as well as assisting countless for his teammates.

Reflecting on the achievement, after Oldham demolished Workington 56-0, Turner said he felt proud.

“I’ve got to lift the trophy with Oldham – that is something I never thought I’d do in my career, and I can’t tell you how happy I am.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and today we had fans in different stands – I haven’t seen that since the early 2000s at this ground.

“I feel a real deep sense of accomplishment – I just wish my grandad was here to see it.”